The Government of China has officially handed over several completed facilities under the ongoing rehabilitation of Sierra Leone’s National Stadium, marking a major step toward restoring the country’s premier sporting complex.
The partial handover ceremony, held Tuesday at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown, brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, representatives of the Chinese Embassy, sporting bodies, athletes, and other stakeholders.
Facilities now open for public and sporting association use include the training pitch, basketball and volleyball courts, swimming pool, hostel, and machine and equipment room. Rehabilitation work on the main stadium bowl and tennis court is still underway.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone. He said cooperation between the two countries would continue to promote trade, investment, employment, and industrialisation. He also noted that both nations will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations on July 29, describing the relationship as one founded on mutual trust and enduring friendship.
National Sports Authority (NSA) Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh described the handover as a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s sports sector. He credited the government’s support, including visa facilitation for Chinese engineers, duty waivers for project materials, and the provision of water and electricity services, for helping to advance the rehabilitation project, which began on February 25, 2022.
Conteh explained that delays in completing the main stadium resulted from negotiations to include FIFA and CAF-compliant seating, procurement processes, and structural modifications after engineers determined that the existing concrete slabs could not support the new seats. He also highlighted the continued occupation of the stadium’s car park and surrounding areas as a major obstacle to obtaining FIFA and CAF approval to host international matches.
Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima described the reopening of the completed facilities as a major achievement in restoring one of Sierra Leone’s most important national assets. She thanked the Government and people of China for financing the approximately US$40 million rehabilitation project, calling it another demonstration of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The minister said the project also faced setbacks due to adverse weather and the COVID-19 pandemic but expressed confidence that the completed stadium would enable Sierra Leone to host international sporting events again, reducing the need to play home matches abroad while creating economic opportunities.
She announced that the newly completed facilities will be managed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to ensure their long-term maintenance and sustainability.
Declaring the facilities officially reopened, James-Teima said the rehabilitated stadium would inspire young athletes, strengthen Sierra Leone China relations, and contribute to national development.